Mechanism of formation of highly disperse titanium diboride

Titanium diboride has several unique properties. In addition to being chemically stable in liquids and aggressive media and resistant to oxidation at high temperatures, it is quite hard and has a high melting point. These properties account for the use of materials based on TiB{sub 2} in different areas of technology. One of the stages in the production of such materials is the synthesis of fine, ultrapure powders of TiB{sub 2} at relatively low temperatures. Such powders must satisfy pressing and sintering requirements established to ensure the production of high-quality ceramics. In the present investigation, the authors examine the process of the formation of highly disperse powders of TiB{sub 2} in the carbothermic reduction of a mixture of TiO{sub 2} and B{sub 2}O{sub 3}.